Waiting

A quiet spot in the garden is waiting for someone to share the beauty of the morning solitude.

"Waiting"    © Kathy Dunham 2011

Sunset in Vernazza

It had been a stormy day along the Italian Cinque Terra with no hope of any decent light for photos.  I had dinner plans with friends so rushed back to the room to change then scooted down to the water's edge to meet them when I came upon this scene.  Needless to say, I was late for dinner but it was worth it to get this shot. 

"Sunset in Vernazza"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Machaeranthera orcuttii

Common name - "Borrego Aster".   This beautiful purple wildflower is abundant in the badland regions of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.  The park is located in Southern California just west of the Salton Sea.  This perennial grows to 36" in height and is very restricted to the local it grows in. 

"Machaeranthera orcuttii"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Lots of Peppers

The open air produce market in Venice is a wild cacophony of color.  Tomatoes, onions, squash, zucchini blossoms and of course, lots of peppers.  Get there early if you want the pick of the crop.  And most of the vendors are gone by noon.  But everything is so fresh from farms on the nearby mainland. 

"Lots of Peppers"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Spring Will Soon Be Here

Clivia likes to grow in cool shady places so when a ray of sun peeked through to light up these beauties I grabbed the shot.

"Spring Will Soon Be Here"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Golden Trumpets

Even the bees are enjoying the beauty of these Angel's Trumpets at the Los Angeles Arboretum.  The Sunset demonstration garden has huge trees of this unique flower that hangs upside down.  One of the beauties of this relative of the "Jimson Weed" is that only at night, when the temperatures cool down, do you smell its wonderful fragrance.  So if you plant one,  put it by a window near the bedroom so you can enjoy it.

"Golden Trumpets"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Tulips of Giverny

Monet's Garden in the Spring is a real treat to both gardener and artist alike.  This is where he created some of his most famous paintings.  But the town of Giverny is quaint and charming.  It's small and probably not much different than it was in his era.  The townspeople love their flowers as well.  These beautiful tulips were growing along the roadside.  Plus there are other gardens for the visitor to stroll through and enjoy.

"Tulips of Giverny"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Japanese Tea Garden

There is something peaceful and relaxing about the design of a Japanese Garden.  The tranquility gives a meditative quality to the experience.  Most major cities have a Japanese Garden and it's worth a visit.  This one is in the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino. 

"Japanese Tea Garden"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Marcella's Lavanderia

It looks like this Italian laundry shop is hanging out the wash.  I don't know if that's supposed to be an advertisement for the quality of work or just a neighbor drying their own laundry.  Probably the latter.

"Marcella's Lavanderia"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Morning Dewdrops

The kiss of dewdrops always adds a sparkle to petals.  Almost like having diamonds sprinkled by Mother Nature.

"Morning Dewdrops"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Desert Sunset

Tonight's sunset was gorgeous.  The pinks against the blue sky made a spectacular show for those of us here in the desert.  Just one of the many reasons we live here.


"Desert Sunset"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Rainy Day Dining

The umbrellas come out, rain or shine, for outside dining in Vernazza, Italy.  This quaint seaside town along the Cinque Terra is one splash of color after another.  Even on overcast days, the town displays color where ever you look.

"Rainy Day Dining"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

White Amaryllis

A very dear friend invited me over this afternoon to see the white amaryllis that were blooming in her back yard.  It was late afternoon when I arrived and the light was fantastic.  I love white flowers and these were awesome.  I think you'll agree.

"White Amaryllis"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Iceland Poppy

The weather is supposed to start warming up where I live and that always brings out the flowers.  Iceland poppies are one of the favorites that are planted in this area.  I love the vibrant colors and the crinkles in the petals. 

"Iceland Poppies"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Bon Voyage

A beautiful white cruise ship at the dock always says adventure.  And this ship was docked right downtown Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Not at a long dock into the harbor, but nose to sidewalk.  It's a very imposing sight if you're walking around and suddenly come upon this huge bulk right next to the street.  There's a hotel right across the street.  Can you imagine waking up in the morning, opening the shades and here's this big ship staring at you if you were on one of the lower floors.

"Bon Voyage"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

What is It?

Some might call it green cauliflower but it's actually a cross between broccoli and cauliflower.  Botanical name....   Cavolo broccolo 'Romaniesco'.  We found this specimen in Italy and it made a wonderful appetizer one evening.  It tastes more like cauliflower but it's the unusual patterns that make this a fascinating piece of nature.

"What is It?"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Crucita's Indian Shop

A visit to Taos Pueblo always inspires me.  When the light is right, the shadows created by the angular edges of the buildings is awesome.  But this turquoise door definitely caught my eye.  The color was so vibrant against the adobe color of the mud and straw that covers the walls.  This is the oldest continually inhabited Indian Pueblo in America.  The Indians still live here and many have businesses that sell goods and items for us tourists.

"Crucita's Indian Shop"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Early Morning Hollyhocks

I love hollyhocks and continually forget to plant them each spring so when I find them on my travels I take lots of pictures to remind my how beautiful they are.  Originally of turkish origin, these have made their way to many parts of the globe.

"Early Morning Hollyhocks"   © Kathy Dunham 2011
 

Desert Unknown

I was in Joshua Tree National Monument photographing flowers last spring when I came upon this unique plant. I'm not sure what it is (again??).  What attracted me was the contrast of the lime green to the violet.  In my book, that's a big plus.

"Desert Unknown"       © Kathy Dunham 2010

Butterfly and Clover

It's amazing that you can find the same or similar flora and fauna in so many parts of the world.  I spotted these two in a country field in the Dordogne region of France. 

"Butterfly and Clover"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Desert Fuzzies

I thought I knew the name of this desert plant but no such luck.  I've combed all my botanical books and have not been able to identify this.  The flower is yellow, cup shaped and becomes this fuzzy remnant.  Anyone have an idea???

"Desert Fuzzies"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Spring is Coming

OK, so it's a going to be another two months, but it's nice to dream.

"Spring is Comimg"     © Kathy Dunham 2010